Latest news with #BreakthroughCancerResearch
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘She was a ray of sunshine' — Mini Marathon runners honour memory of a young woman lost to rare cancer
They are doing so in memory of Eve McMahon, a 23-year-old woman from Kildare whose life was cut tragically short by a rare form of cancer. Eve's sister Lucy and her best friend Ellen Redmond are behind the Run for Eve fundraiser, which is once again supporting Sarcoma Cancer Ireland. The small, volunteer-run charity offers vital support to patients and families affected by sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that typically affects children and young adults. Eve was just 22 when she was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in October 2021. Despite enduring months of intensive treatment at St Vincent's Private Hospital, she died eight months later on June 19, 2022, just three days after her 23rd birthday. Ellen described the annual run as a way of 'keeping Eve's memory alive', while also channelling grief into something positive. 'I just thought, wouldn't it be lovely to bring everyone together, her family, friends, neighbours, to do something uplifting around the time of her anniversary,' Ellen said. 'It's a very emotional time of year for all of us, but the mini marathon gives us a reason to come together in her name.' The first Run for Eve took place in 2023 and raised over €30,000 for Sarcoma Cancer Ireland, which at the time had only just begun establishing itself as a registered charity. Last year, the group raised nearly €20,000 for Breakthrough Cancer Research, chosen because Eve, a science graduate, had been studying for a master's in epidemiology at Imperial College London when she fell ill. 'Eve was the kind of person who would have gone into research herself. She was so smart, so driven, so that felt like a really fitting cause,' Ellen said. This year, the group will once again support Sarcoma Cancer Ireland, who, Ellen notes, 'don't receive any government funding'. The charity relies entirely on public donations to fund services such as counselling, treatment support, and small comforts for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Now in its third year, what started as a close-knit group of about 20 runners has swelled to over 40 participants last year, with even more expected this June. 'It's incredible how many people have gotten involved, friends of friends, people we've never even met, aunties, cousins, all just wanting to do something positive in Eve's name,' Ellen said. At the heart of the campaign is the memory of a bright, kind, and multi-talented young woman, a talented piano player and teacher, an avid cook who ran a food blog, and someone who dabbled in everything from crochet to leadership roles. 'She was one of those people who was just good at everything,' Ellen said. 'Everyone loved her, she was a ray of sunshine, honestly. And she never complained, not once. Even when she got sick, she just did everything the doctors told her. She never asked, 'Why me?' She just got on with it.' For Ellen, the mini marathon has become a way to keep that spirit alive. 'I get to see her cousins each year, her college friends, people I mightn't have crossed paths with otherwise. It keeps us all connected, and it keeps Eve close,' Ellen said. 'That's what matters most.' To donate to this year's campaign or join the team, visit the Run for Eve GoFundMe page.
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Cork employees raise €20,000 for cancer research charity
The impressive sum of money was raised by Ask Acorn employees through the annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme. Ask Acorn are a nationwide financial intermediary and distributor of life protection products who have offices on the Airport Road in Cork city. The funds will directly support research into poorer prognosis cancers, with a five-year survival of less than 25% and currently very limited treatment options. Currently, nearly half (45%) of all cancer deaths in Ireland come from seven low survival cancers, and these are the cancers Breakthrough Cancer Research is currently targeting their research towards. Breakthrough was selected through a company-wide nomination process, with employees putting forward causes that hold personal meaning. The strong support for Breakthrough Cancer Research reflects the fact that one in two people in Ireland will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime — a reality that has touched many within the Ask Acorn team. Breakthrough Cancer Research is dedicated to funding scientific research that targets the most urgent gaps in cancer treatment, particularly where options are limited and outcomes remain poor. Their work helps drive progress in cancers that are currently under-funded, offering hope where it's needed most. Orla Dolan CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research said the donation will go directly towards cutting-edge research into the lowest survival cancers which urgently need more investment. 'Every donation brings us closer to a future free from cancer, where no one ever hears the words, 'There's nothing left to try.' The organisation supports cutting-edge, patient-focused research across Ireland, including projects at the University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, Bon Secours Cork and MTU. These include advances in overcoming treatment resistance, earlier detection through identification new biomarkers, next-gen immunotherapy and personalised medicine through initiatives like Precision Oncology Ireland. 'At Ask Acorn, protection is at the core of what we do,' said Vivian O Callaghan and Jim Landy, Branch Managers in Cork City for Ask Acorn. 'Many of us have experienced the impact of cancer up close and we're proud to help fund research that offers real hope to patients and families across the country.' Monies raised for Breakthrough Cancer directly fund new treatment discoveries, clinical trials, and innovations that could dramatically improve outcomes for people diagnosed with difficult-to-treat cancers. The charity has a bold vision: 100% survival for 100% of cancers. To find out more or to support Breakthrough Cancer Research see or @breakthrocancer on social media.
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Cork charity's ‘brilliantly inventive' research shows how coffee leftovers could help treat cancer
A study, part-funded by Cork-based charity Breakthrough Cancer Research, has discovered an environmentally friendly way to turn used coffee grounds into tiny 'carbon dots', that show potential as agents to carry and deliver anti-cancer drugs in the body.
Irish Independent
03-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Cork man diagnosed with cancer in 2023 undertaking epic ‘Everest' challenge in aid of research
That equates to reaching the summit of Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world. Sturdy boots, decent weather and plenty of energy will be required for the massive challenge, in what is being undertaken to raise funds for Breakthrough Cancer Research. Denis undertook a similar venture last year on a lesser scale, climbing Carraauntoohill three times on the same day. 'Over the June Bank Holiday weekend, from Saturday - Monday, I'm taking on the biggest challenge of my life – I'll be climbing Carrauntoohil 15 and a third times over the course of three days, which adds up to the height of Mount Everest measuring 29,031 feet. 'That means I'll be going up and down Ireland's highest peak again and again until I've matched the world's tallest mountain,' said Denis. 'I was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and I came up with an idea to support research. I am on active surveillance, it's working and I wanted to give something back to Breakthrough Cancer Research,' he said. Denis is no stranger to climbs, the keen hiker living close to Clara that overlooks Millstreet makes mountaineering a popular hobby. 'As someone affected by cancer, I know how important research is in improving treatments and outcomes. That's why I want to support the work being done by Breakthrough Cancer Research,' he says. 'I climbed Carrauntoohil previously to support Breakthrough Cancer Research, but this year I wanted to push myself further and raise even more vital funds for the cause. The charity focuses their work on finding new and better treatments for poor prognosis cancers, so every donation will go directly towards life-saving research,' said Denis. No stranger to hikes, Denis has upped the preparation for the June bank holiday weekend, embarking on the local Clara loop in addition to savouring the climbs to all the well known Kerry such as Carrauntoohil and Mangleton. The public can support Denis O'Mahony's latest trek via and Denis's Everest in Éire for Breakthrough Cancer Research 'I'd be so grateful for support, every donation will help fund groundbreaking research and bring hope to people affected by cancer and their families across Ireland', said Denis.
